Professor of Intl. Law, Lawyer,
@UN
International Law Commission Member, Co-editor
@OUPLaw
Monographs in International Law, currently UCHV fellow
@princeton
I am pleased beyond words and both honoured and humbled to n equal measure to have been elected today to the United Nations International Law Commission for the term 2023-2027. This is by any standards an outstanding mandate, thank you to everyone involved.
I woke up feeling that my entire life’s work has been a delusion. Ukraine has no concept of statehood, says Putin. So what do I tell my students this week about the sanctity of the UN Charter, rights of people’s to self determination and territorial sovereignty? (1/2)
This week I say good bye to Sandra Muthoni Bucha, who has been my assistant since May. I am so pleased for her as she embarks on her next Chapter as a judicial fellow at the International Court of Justice. Warmest congratulations
@snmuthoni
I am honoured to have been co-nominated to the
@UN
International Law Commission by the Government of the United Kingdom
@GOVUK
, for those interested in learning a bit more about my background and my vision for the
#ILC
, here is my brochure!
@KenyaMissionUN
Delighted to join the Public International Law Advisory Panel of the
@BIICL
. I have long been a supporter of the Institute and the important work it does in promoting the rule of law.
This honour has filled me with immense pride. My Stockholm story has come full circle, as a young untested academic I examined my first doctoral thesis at Stockholm University - with the grand title of faculty opponent. I was all nerves and as a result grossly over prepared (1/2)
Stockholm University is awarding Professor
@Phoebe_Okowa
an Honorary Doctorate in Law with the great delight of me and all other colleagues at
@Juridicumsu
.
In personal news, I’m looking forward to being back on the east coast for the next year as I take up a UCHV fellowship in Law, Ethics and Public Policy at
@Princeton
. Looking to seeing old colleagues and meeting new ones.
It was an absolute honour to have acted for the Government of Namibia in this Advisory Opinion, ably assisted by
@IcarusChan_
as junior counsel. The separate opinions of Judges Charlesworth, Iwasawa and Tladi underscore the importance of a diverse bench.
Since my nomination I have tried and insisted that I be judged on my record as a public international lawyer, however one cannot help but notice that Judge Donaghue’s remarks on the ICJ are also true of the ILC, the gender composition of both remains eerily similar to the 1940s
Just listened to three wonderfully inspiring stories of Kenyan women. Lady Justice Aluoch’s story of her rise from a junior magistrate to the International Criminal Court was a reminder that I stand on the shoulders of truly incredible women.
Start of the hearings on the climate justice case brought by
@cosis_ccil
. Caught up with Queen Mary alumni
@ZPhillips268
who is representing Antigua and Barbuda as well as dear ILC colleague
@niluferoral
Would also like to offer my belated gratitude and congratulations to my brothers
@UKILCCampaign
,
@CharlesJalloh
and
@michaelkanuSL
who despite having their own elections to fight somehow managed to make mine a priority. Look forward to working with these outstanding legal minds!
Really pleased that the Kenya national group at the
@PCA_CPA
, of which I am a member, has today nominated Professor Hilary Charlesworth for election to the
@CIJ_ICJ
. We wish her the very best with the campaign!
Much of what we do at the
#ILC
isn’t
possible without the assistance of young lawyers who generously give up a substantial part of their summer to support our work. Many thanks to three of my assistants who I’m saying goodbye to, Pauline Janssens; Julita Piróg and Ina Donvil.
It’s been a privilege to teach on the United Nations regional course this week in Santiago de Chile for the Latin America and Caribbean. It’s a delight to engage with lawyers who continue to maintain an enduring faith in international law amidst all the current chaos and doubt!
I had the absolute honour today of meeting with the Permanent Representative of Mozambique, Mr Pedro Commissario Afonso - as a former member of the ILC, he provided many useful insights on the commission which I hope to be able to put to good use if elected!
Looking forward to the African Union webinar on women in international law with a focus on Africa and the International Law Commission, register your interest here!
Absolutely thrilled that the wonderful Professor Hilary Charlesworth has been elected to the
@CIJ_ICJ
. The Kenya national group at the
@PCA_CPA
sends our warmest congratulations!
The end of this ILC session and I’m saying goodbye to the last of my assistants from NYU law. Thank you to
@ryenamora
, one of the most diligent and enthusiastic assistants one could wish for. Thanks also to
@AngelinaFisherD
and my colleagues at
@nyulaw
for the invaluable support.
Honoured to receive Prof Phoebe Okowa, member International Law Commission. Prof. Okowa lends unique approaches to complex contemporary legal questions- climate change, ocean governance, crime of aggression- critical to sustainable development.
@ForeignOfficeKE
Congratulations to all involved on the successful publication of the Oxford Handbook of International Environmental Law, delighted to have contributed a chapter! For those interested there is an online event with a fantastic panel to celebrate the launch, link with info below
I am absolutely thrilled to have the full support of the Institute of African Women in Law. With much gratitude to the Director Professor Jarpa Dawuni for taking the initiative on this. Have a read!
On this
#InternationalWomensDay
my thoughts are with all the women in conflict zones from Yemen to Ukraine who in their many different ways are courageously holding their own in response to wars not of their own making
Heartfelt congratulations to the new Chichele Professor. My brother and colleague
@DapoAkandeLaw
, a consummate international lawyer and a wonderful person too!
We thank HE the President
@WilliamsRuto
for conferring on some distinguished Kenyan professionals in the UK the national honour of Elder of the Burning Spear EBS for services to Kenya & the world. Take a bow Prof Washington Ochieng, Prof Phoebe Okowa & Dr Moses Langat. 1/2
Statehood is one of the topics that was put on the ILC’s agenda at its inception. Tackling the issues requires serious political courage and
@GlexAreen
book Statehood as Political Community is a masterpiece on this important but elusive topic, available in all good book stores 😉
Delighted to see so many members of the
@ICON__S
community at the women’s breakfast. A wonderful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to gender parity and inclusivity as a foundational ICONS value. (1/2)
@MHailbronner
&
@Phoebe_Okowa
just led the 2022 on-site Women's Reception. It was the occasion for Scholars from all over the world to discuss the challenges women face in public law & to reflect on how to advance gender parity in academia.
On this UN anti-racism day, we remember the brutal events of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre. This past year has served as a reminder of just how far we still have to go to end racial discrimination. We must all do better.
#UNAntiRacismDay
#SpeakUp
Elections at the UN in next few weeks. Not only the
@CIJ_ICJ
but also the International Law Commission. We talk to two candidates
@Phoebe_Okowa
and
@UKILCCampaign
about representation and diversity
Was delighted to meet
@Phoebe_Okowa
, Professor of Public International Law at the fabled
@QMUL
and Kenya's candidate for
@UN
International Law Commission, reaffirming Kenya's commitment to multilateralism & International law.
@AmbMKimani
@owuorms
On this Thanksgiving I would like to express my gratitude for the
@AfricaWomenLaw
and its formidable Director Professor Jarpa Dawuni. They consistently campaign with zeal for African women aspiring to high offices in legal institutions. Thank you all for believing in me.
Congratulations to Prof. Phoebe Okowa for her election to the International Law Commission! Her historic win makes her the first woman from the continent of Africa to be elected to the ILC.
@Phoebe_Okowa
Coming Up: 27 Sept
What next for the International Law Commission?
Spks Prof Dapo Akande, Prof Phoebe Okowa & Martins Paparinskis
Give their views on the future work of the Commission.
@DapoAkandeLaw
@Phoebe_Okowa
@MPaparinskis
Hybrid event
Inspired by
@jamessflee
- just a few women Professors of Law catching up after first meeting years ago & reflecting on their collective journeys since
@Phoebe_Okowa
@d_ashiagbor
It was a real pleasure yesterday to have the opportunity with four super talented international lawyers to discuss and share our vision at the
#ILC
women event. Thanks especially to
@NZUN
@MFAThai
@USUN
@HUNMissionToUN
and
@KenyaMissionUN
for organising the event!
The drafting committee certainly takes it out of you but at the end of a productive
#ILC
week it’s been a pleasure to have two fantastic lawyers,
@IcarusChan_
and Sean O’Reilly, to assist me
Once again it was a real pleasure to teach on the
@UN
Regional Course in International Law for Africa in Addis Ababa. A big shout to the participants for their insightful perspectives on the reality of international law.
I will be giving Josephine Onoh Memorial Lecture next Wednesday, Onoh was a pioneering African international lawyer taken far too soon. It’s a real honour to have the opportunity to give this talk, a recorded version will be available for those not able to make it to
@UniOfHull
Reminiscing on a lost way of life... The last time I traveled for work in March 2020, it was an absolute delight to spend some teaching time with the participants at the
@UN
Regional Course in International Law in Addis Ababa!
Fantastic celebration of the end Kenya’s presidency of the Security Council. Thanks to
@AmbMKimani
and his team. A great affirmation of Kenyan leadership on the Global stage.
Looking forward to what should be a great discussion on the
#ILC
’s agenda, both past and present. Zoom registration details to follow but for those invited save the date for next Monday!
It is an honor and a pleasure to spend time with such incredible fellow female candidates to
#ILC_2021
@Phoebe_Okowa
&
@pj_ridings
you were missed!
If all elected, the
#ILC
would double its current female participation. Still far from parity, but a step in the right direction
HC
@MEsipisu
and the Kenya High Commission London team were honoured to support
@asahcalondon
's
#IWD
successful event themed on Inclusion graciously hosted by
@ZambiaHigh
and organised by
@waijk
. Prof Phoebe Okowa delivered keynote
It was a pleasure to contribute to this groundbreaking collection of essays, huge gratitude and many congratulations to the three editors
@MHailbronner
@sujit_choudhry
and M. Kumm
Our volume (w.
@sujit_choudhry
&M. Kumm) on canonical texts in comparative constitutional law is finally out.Thanks to all authors&others who helped,this was not an easy project to pull off.Hopefully it helps to start a conversation rather than shut it down.
It was an honour to take part in the
@IntlCrimCourt
20th anniversary celebrations, an opportunity to reflect on the courts past achievements and its future concerns in these increasingly challenging times
#ICC
at 20 conference: Session 3.4
Prospects of adding new crimes in the ICC’s jurisdiction
➡️ Prof. Phoebe Okowa
@Phoebe_Okowa
, Queen Mary University
📅 Friday, 1 July from 15:45
ℹ️
🎥
#MoreJustWorld
#ICCis20
Arguably (I may be biased!) one of the most important panels at the
@ICON__S
conference with some valuable insights from
@Sgloppen
,
@JuditSandorM
and
@PAVLMex
on a very pertinent issue
This time I am of course on slightly steadier feet. With much gratitude to the many
@Juridicumsu
colleagues that I have had the privilege of working with!
It’s exciting to see
@ForeignOfficeKE
nominating for the ILC
@Phoebe_Okowa
. She’s a well known IL scholar. Having followed her work, over the years, I have no doubt she will make an excellent contribution to the ILC. I hope she becomes the first African woman elected to the ILC!
Monday, 3/14, noon, Anchor Event: “Ukraine, Climate Justice and the Future of International Law,” presented by our second spring Distinguished Lecturer Professor
@Phoebe_Okowa
, Queen Mary University. REGISTER:
My good friend Eiirik Bjorge has just published an outstanding article on opposability in the
@OUPLaw
British Yearbook - absolutely essential reading for all international lawyers!
Hongera Balozi. Thank you for highlighting Africa’s perspectives on this important question. Now the real work begins to ensure that these are fully argued before the ICJ itself.
Important day at the
@UN
today, as Core Group (CG) member 🇸🇱 applauds the leadership of
@VanuatuUN
& work of the CG as the
#UNGA
takes action on the
#ICJAO4Climate
advisory opinion request.
Also,
@PMSLUN
to host event on
#ISDS
reform & the proposed Multilateral Investment Court
We believe in inclusive academic enviroment, this is why the
#iconsmadrid
will be child-friendly! Your kids are welcome to accompany you to all panels & events.
@IElaw
partnered with Alopeke for child services during the conference. Book your child's spot by April 30th!
This event with
@Phoebe_Okowa
will now happen this Thursday, May 26, 5-6pm, at the LSK Room
@wadhamoxford
. Come join us to hear from the inspiring Prof Okowa about her trajectory in international law and the legal profession. Open to all, no registrations!
Less than two weeks after losing my suitcase, which never arrived and I had to collect from the airport,
@British_Airways
have unilaterally cancelled my flight to Lyon with a days notice and offered an inconveniently timed alternative + class downgrade with no compensation!
My baggage failed to arrive in Stockholm yesterday,
@British_Airways
website is down and it’s impossible to get through on any phone line. I cannot even alert them that I don’t have my baggage let alone seek compensation as a longstanding customer I am utterly appalled by this!
With huge thanks to our hosts the University of Wrocław and the centre for constitutional law at the
@UTAustin
and
@RichardAlbert
who sponsored the breakfast! (2/2)
The
@IntlCrimCourt
celebrated its 20th anniversary today with a one-day conference in The Hague.
The final session of the day, focusing on the future of the court, prominently featured discussion of
#ecocide
as a possible 5th
#RomeStatute
crime.
Read more:
Looking forward to attending the Kenya Society’s “Choose to Challenge” Women's Day Event on Thursday and hearing from a panel of inspiring Kenyan women, the event is open to all so feel free to register!
Today on
#IWD2023
sending my warmest congratulations to Dr Dara Modeste who successfully defended her doctoral thesis yesterday. A shout too to her two supervisors my colleagues
@mario_mendez1
and Caroline Morris. Pictured here with Prof Beyani, Prof. Eirik Bjorge also joined!
My baggage failed to arrive in Stockholm yesterday,
@British_Airways
website is down and it’s impossible to get through on any phone line. I cannot even alert them that I don’t have my baggage let alone seek compensation as a longstanding customer I am utterly appalled by this!
Please join us on Friday 14th June for the inaugural lecture by this year’s Belgian Chair in London, Professor Koen de Feyter on Human Rights: Navigating between the Global and the Local. Venue Arts one, Lecture theatre, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End
Not to mention they had the audacity to charge me for excess baggage on return from Stockholm for the clothes I had bought as I had none of mine and have made seeking compensation incredibly difficult in both cases. Will be taking every effort to avoid using BA going forward.